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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

The chairman of the board of Rádio e Televisão de Portugal (RTP), Guilherme Costa, said on Tuesday that the company has “every reason” to suspend the shortwave transmissions of RDP Internacional. Mr Costa, quoted by the Lusa news agency, said such a platform is obsolete from the technical point of view, is generally poor quality in terms of reception, and is expensive, adding that discussions about shortwave began within the organisation in May 2009.

He said that RDP had received 190 messages on the suspension of shortwave broadcasts, and more than half came via email from people who can listen to broadcasts on the Internet. RTP announced in May that it would temporarily suspend the shortwave broadcasts of RDP Internacional from 1 June, citing the low number of listeners and the need to reduce costs.
(Source: tvi24/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

And I would bet that Portugal joins the ranks of the rapidly disappearing shortwave stations on the bands.

Solar activity was at very low to low levels. Region 1271 (N16, L=059, class/area Ehc/290 on 18 August) produced four low-level C-class flares during the period. All other regions on the disk were relatively stable and quiet. There were no Earth-directed CMEs
observed during the period.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal to moderate levels during the entire period.

Geomagnetic field activity was at quiet to unsettled levels on 22 - 25 August due to a weak coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS). Activity decreased to mostly quiet levels for the remainder of the period.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 31 August - 26 September 2011

Solar activity is expected to be very low to low throughout the
forecast period.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal to moderate levels from 31 August - 03 September. The flux is expected to increase to moderate to high levels during 04 - 09 September due to CH HSS effects. Normal to moderate flux levels are expected during 10 - 11 September. A return to moderate to high flux levels is expected on 13 - 14 September following a second CH HSS. Normal to moderate levels are expectedfrom 15 - 25 September. Moderate to high flux levels are expected on 26 September due to effects of another CH HSS.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at mostly quiet levels during 31 August - 02 September. Activity is expected to increase to quiet to unsettled levels, with isolated active periods, during 03 - 05 September as a CH HSS disturbs the field. Quiet levels are forecast for 06 - 10 September. An increase to quiet to unsettled levels is expected during 11 - 12 September due to another CH HSS. Predominately quiet levels are expected for the remainder of the period with the exception of 18 - 19 September and 24 - 25 September, when quiet to unsettled levels are expected due to recurrent CH HSS effects.

The use of other platforms among shortwave broadcasters is a touchy subject for true believers. But for many in the shortwave world, the use of FM, online and other media is simple reality.

One manifestation of that shift: The approaching B11 HFCC/ASBU shortwave broadcasters conference in Dallas, Sept. 12–16, has announced an expansion of its agenda.

The High-Frequency Coordination Conference is a semi-annual gathering at which shortwave broadcast frequency schedules are coordinated. These meetings been going on since 1989 but this will be the first one in the United States. “B11” refers to the broadcast season that runs from October 2011 to March 2012.

Event organizers say the time has come to start addressing additional modes of delivering messages. Chairman of the HFCC Oldrich Cip recently wrote: “The merits of broadband delivery of media through the Internet or via mobile devices in comparison with the traditional delivery of TV and sound radio from terrestrial transmitters are frequently on the agenda of meetings and discussions of domestic broadcasters and broadcasting unions.

“Such an in-depth debate has been missing in international broadcasting circles. We are now ready to provide a forum and environment for such discussions.”

He continued: “We have accepted the fact that what was only one program distribution method only about 20 years ago has now been replaced by a multitude of technologies where media consumers and listeners are offered a whole range of distribution platforms.”

Cip extended an invitation to the conference for those who had reduced or stopped shortwave transmission and turned to alternative means. Peter White, chairman of the National Association of Shortwave Broadcasters, one of the co-sponsors of the conference, noted the many “alternative delivery platforms” such as Internet, podcasts, local AM and FM rebroadcasting and satellite.

But organizers also stressed that one of the major themes of the conference will be the continuing importance of shortwave for international broadcasting.

The conference is expected to draw delegates from some 40 countries; it is co-sponsored by Texas-based transmitter maker Continental Electronics, which will provide a factory tour.

Addresses are planned by Dr. Dowell Chow, president of Adventist World Radio; Lauren Libby, president of Trans World Radio; and Charles Caudill, president of World Christian Broadcasting.
(Radio World)

Cambodia’s UN-backed war crimes court said today it had started contempt of court proceedings against Voice of America Khmer for revealing confidential information about a new Khmer Rouge case. The move comes after the VOA posted an article and video on its website describing prosecution allegations of mass killings and other atrocities by three mid-level cadres during the regime’s 1975-79 rule. The website cited a document obtained by a source close to the court.

VOA Khmer “on 10 August 2011 quoted verbatim from a confidential document… and even showed that document on a video,” said the two judges who are still investigating the claims in the court’s fourth and final case. The news service chief Chris Decherd refused to comment directly on the court action, but said: “VOA Khmer supports the work of the tribunal and helps inform the Cambodian public by reporting about the court’s work.” He added that VOA’s role was to serve Cambodian citizens “who deserve and are well-served by objective and quality news reporting about issues and topics that impact and affect their daily lives”.

This marks the first time judges have followed through on warnings to launch contempt proceedings, following numerous leaks to the media. Their terse statement however failed to clarify if action was being taken against the journalist, the editor or the producer of the piece, all of whom are understood to be in Washington, DC.
(Source: AFP/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Radio Free Asia (RFA) announces the release of our 39th QSL card. This is the fourth QSL card commemorating 2011 as RFA’s 15th anniversary. Not only is The Dalai Lama the subject of this card, but The Dalai Lama was also the subject of RFA’s very first QSL card. RFA’s first broadcast was in Mandarin Chinese on September 29, 1996 at 2100 UTC. Acting as a substitute for indigenous free media, RFA concentrates its coverage on events occurring in and/or affecting the countries to which we broadcast. Those countries are: Burma, Cambodia, Laos, North Korea, Peoples Republic of China, and Vietnam. This QSL card will be used to confirm all valid reception reports for September 2011. Similar designs will be announced monthly between now and the end of the year. To learn more about RFA’s anniversary, visit www.rfa15.org.

RFA is a private, nonprofit corporation that broadcasts news and information to listeners in Asian countries where full, accurate, and timely news reports are unavailable. Created by Congress in 1994 and incorporated in 1996, RFA currently broadcasts in Burmese, Cantonese, Khmer, Korean to North Korea, Lao, Mandarin, the Wu dialect, Vietnamese, Tibetan (Uke, Amdo, and Kham), and Uyghur. RFA strives for accuracy, balance, and fairness in its editorial content. As a ‘surrogate’ broadcaster, RFA provides news and commentary specific to each of its target countries, acting as the free press these countries lack. RFA broadcasts only in local languages and dialects, and most of its broadcasts comprise news of specific local interest. More information about Radio Free Asia, including our current broadcast frequency schedule, is available at www.rfa.org .

RFA encourages listeners to submit reception reports. Reception reports are valuable to RFA as they help us evaluate the signal strength and quality of our transmissions. RFA confirms all accurate reception reports by mailing a QSL card to the listener. RFA welcomes all reception report submissions at www.techweb.rfa.org (follow the QSL REPORTS link) not only from DX’ers, but also from its general listening audience. If you have a smart phone, feel free to use the QR code below to access the automated reception report system and submit your reception reports to the web site.

You also have the option of using the following Microsoft Tag from your smartphone. The free mobile app for your smartphone is available at http://gettag.mobi .

Reception reports are also accepted by email at qsl@rfa.org, and for anyone without Internet access, reception reports can be mailed to:

Reception Reports
Radio Free Asia
2025 M. Street NW, Suite 300
Washington DC 20036
United States of America.
Upon request, RFA will also send a copy of the current broadcast schedule and a station sticker.
(RJ Janitschek)

Monday, August 29, 2011

Afghanistan 6102, Radio Afghanistan, Kabul, *1526-1630.* Ethnic music till 1530, English ID and news headlines. News bulletin with the usual long list of casualties due to terrorist attacks, traditional songs with sporadic talk by female voice mentioning "Afghanistan", then songs. Final announcement in Urdu. In USB only, since LSB is plagued by a utility station. Fair to good signal(SIO 333). (D'Amico, Bernardini and Bolli/DXW435)

Argentina11710.5, RAE, General Pacheco, Buenos Aires, 0218-0307. Tango music, news headlines in English, 2+1 time pips at 0230. Male announcer continued speaking to more tango music followed by several IDs and talk. Interval signal at 0258 until 0300 when a series of multi-lingual IDs were heard followed by the French program. Poor to fair signal quality. (D’Angelo/DWX435)

Bolivia5952.39, R Pio Doce, Siglo Veinte, *1031-1058. Announcement about an event "este viernes." Local news items, with man and woman alternating, several phone calls were taken. Fair signal at tune-in but losing steam and bothered by *1058 of CRI (China Radio International) on 5955. Noted several times this week coming on right around 1030. (Wilkins in DXplorer/DXW435)

6134.784, Radio Santa Cruz, 0010-0105. Male's Spanish comments over the music. Initially the signal was very poor but a touchup on the tuning help improve it to a fair level. Music was sim-clasical it seemed as the male continued to comment. Newscast at 0100, followed by music during fair signal. (Chuck Bolland, FL)

5952.47, Radio Pio Doce, 0005-0122. Spanish talk to station ID. Nice Bolivian music. Fair but must use ECSS-LSB to avoid Radio Republica and jammer on high side.(Brian Alexander, PA)

Brazil4877.19-4878.98, Radio Difusora Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, 0030-0305 and 0840-0944. Lively program of Brasilian pop vocals, jingle ID at 0136, canned ID in Portuguese at 0214, more formal ID at 0228. Vocal music for good signal with drift, but distorted audio. This often is the strongest signal on 60 meters in South Florida. (D’Angelo and Wilkner). Also heard at 0345-0358.* Portuguese announcement, Brazilian ballads, and national anthem. Poor in noisy conditions. (Alexander in DXplorer/DXW435)

Clandestine7310, Radio Dardasha 7, via Wertachtal, *0300-0329.* Instrumental music opening followed by man/female announcers with ID and announcement. Mix of Arabic talks, discussion with instrumental music in background and between segments, jingle ID at 0322 and closing ID with e-mail address at 0327. Fair. (D’Angelo/DXW435)

11945, Hamada Radio International, via Wertachtal, *1929-1958.* Open carrier followed by ID, brief music into Hausa news and news features. Remote reports and interviews, several IDs at 1957 and contact information. Carrier cut while another man began more features. Fair but noisy conditions. (D’Angelo/DXW435)

India4970, AIR Shillong, 1256-1315. “Country Roads” Sunday show, DJ in English with Country and Western songs. Station ID: “North Eastern Service of All India Radio”, 1315 into Hindi, still with prominent hum. (Howard). Also heard at 1546, beautiful slow song by female in high-pitch voice with flutes, fair. (Bell/DXW435)

4749.929, RRI Makassar, 1001-1030. Religious prayers by a male lead and a chorus assisting. This is the typical Islamic praying noted here regularly. I am going to go out on a limb here and suggest that Makassar has increased power today for this broadcast because the signal's quality is much better than it has been in the past. Usually I can barely hear the station during this time frame. Comments by announcer at 1009. Signed noted as fair-ggod. (Chuck Bolland, FL)

Micronesia4755.45, The Cross Radio, Pohnpei, 0941-1030*, Aug 13, 15 and 17, sounded like a sermon “kind of world; not usual a miracle; God” in progress, music at 1029, possibly to end the program; tuned out for a couple of minutes and when I came back at 1032, they had left the air, 25422. (Otávio, Wilkins in DXplorer). But heard later at 1325-1430, Aug 11, Christian songs, ID, songs continued and were noted on several checks till 1430, when signal had almost faded out, 35343. (Sellers/DXW435)

Solomon Islands5019.9, SIBC, Hniara, 0922-1001. With Cuba power down on 5025 Aug 08. Much too close to Cuba in Florida for pleasant reception of Solomon, Aug 14, non-stop Tok Pisin talks, able to catch few words like “family, tomorrow, between”. Consistent QRM of 5025 R Rebelde, 33333. (Otávio and Wilkner). Heard better in British Colombia at 1155-1203*, Aug 09, Country song, ann, devotion in English, national anthem, SINPO 25342. (Sellers/DXW435)

Sri Lanka11905, SLBC, *0020-0100. Sign on with local drums. National anthem at 0021. More drums and local music at 0022. Opening Hindi announcements at 0025 followed by religious recitations and Hindi chants. Local music at 0030. Hindi vocals. Fair. (Brian Alexander,
PA)

Thailand15275, Radio Thailand, *0000-0029. Sign on with opening English ID announcements. English news at 0002. Ad for Bangkok Airways. Ad for local restaurant. Talk about US politics. Fair to good but only a threshold signal at 0029 when they switch antenna beam headings from Eastern to Western North America. (Brian Alexander, PA)

Friday, August 26, 2011

Ham Fair 2011 will be August 27-28 in Tokyo, Japan. Radio Free Asia (RFA) will be on hand at this year’s Ham Fair to meet DXers and radio enthusiasts from Japan and around the globe. This annual event is organized by the Japanese Amateur Radio League (JARL) and last year hosted almost 31,000 attendees. To help promote this year’s event, RFA is issuing a special commemorative QSL card which incorporates the design of our current QSL card and this year’s Ham Fair logo. This QSL card will only be available for a limited time and used to confirm all valid RFA reception reports from 0000 UTC on August 26 – 2400 UTC on August 29, 2011. As mentioned in our previous press release, the four pieces of artwork on the RFA design were created earlier this year by the children of RFA’s staff to celebrate RFA’s 15th anniversary.

RFA is a private, nonprofit corporation that broadcasts news and information to listeners in Asian countries where full, accurate, and timely news reports are unavailable. Created by Congress in 1994 and incorporated in 1996, RFA currently broadcasts in Burmese, Cantonese, Khmer, Korean to North Korea, Lao, Mandarin, the Wu dialect, Vietnamese, Tibetan (Uke, Amdo, and Kham), and Uyghur. RFA strives for accuracy, balance, and fairness in its editorial content. As a ‘surrogate’ broadcaster, RFA provides news and commentary specific to each of its target countries, acting as the free press these countries lack. RFA broadcasts only in local languages and dialects, and most of its broadcasts comprise news of specific local interest. More information about Radio Free Asia, including our current broadcast frequency schedule, is available at www.rfa.org .

RFA encourages listeners to submit reception reports. Reception reports are valuable to RFA as they help us evaluate the signal strength and quality of our transmissions. RFA confirms all accurate reception reports by mailing a QSL card to the listener. RFA welcomes all reception report submissions at www.techweb.rfa.org (follow the QSL REPORTS link) not only from DX’ers, but also from its general listening audience.

Reception reports are also accepted by email at qsl@rfa.org, and for anyone without Internet access, reception reports can be mailed to:
Reception Reports
Radio Free Asia
2025 M. Street NW, Suite 300
Washington DC 20036
United States of America.

Upon request, RFA will also send a copy of the current broadcast schedule and a station sticker.
(AJ Janitschek/RFA)

The State We're InJonathan Groubert and his team look at current events from an unexpected perspective.

Decisions

A Rwandan mother flees the 1994 genocide on foot, with her infant son in tow. An Australian girl riding a panicked horse heading for the highway sings a song to it and saves her life. A former sex worker in Louisiana decides to take up gardening, and a rickshaw driver in India explains how he became a local hero.

First airing: Saturday 02:00 UTC

Earth BeatMarnie Chesterton and her team look at the footprint we’re leaving on our planet.

The magic of colour

From different interpretations of colour in different cultures, to a man who can only see in black and white, and travelling to dodgy areas in the name of lapis lazuli blue, we play with shades.

First airing: Friday 03:00 UTC

South Asia WiredStories from South Asia.

The singular story of Shirin Juwaley

At the age of 24 Shirin Juwaley was a pretty young woman with all of life’s prospects before her but overnight, she was transformed into a person with a face so disfigured people came far and wide to see her.

Shirin was the victim of an acid throwing attack that sentenced her to years of agony – both mental and physical. Yet 13 years and 16 surgeries later, Shirin looks in the mirror and sees herself as the gorgeous woman she is.

First airing: Thursday 14:00 UTC

Bridges With AfricaWe're giving the microphone to Diaspora groups in Europe and are linking up with stations in Africa.

A closer look at Gaddafi’s legacy in Africa
Campaigning with Sea Shepherd in Namibia
And our Summer Music Special: the finest Blues from the Sahara Desert

Black night shade; spider plant; amaranth. In Africa, all these vegetables have local names. Long regarded as weeds and food for the poor, these indigenous plants are now seen as an important source of nutrients and also income for farmers. They can be bought fresh at the market. Some are even exported to European markets. A gold mine for Africa, as the Kenyan professor who spearheaded their promotion put it.

First airing: Monday 18:00 UTC

Commonwealth StoryA selection of winning stories chosen from the large number of entries for the 2010 Commonwealth Short Story Competition.

A whiff of Bleach - by Suelin Low Chew Tung (Grenada).

Loneliness and despair in the dry season; read by Dona Croll.

First airing: Tuesday 00:55 UTC

Global PerspectiveWho says I can’t… is the motto of this year’s collaboration of international broadcasters, offering stories of defiance and perseverance.

Who says I can’t die… or live?

Bun Chai, who is paralysed from the neck down, made a public appeal to the Hong Kong government for the right to end his life… and in the process found a way to live. We hear Bun Chai’s story from Radio Television Hong Kong.

First airing: Monday 17:30 UTC

Hear the WorldListen to the world’s musical heartbeat on RNW. A brand new world music series hosted by Dheera Sujan.

Merdan Taplak is a Belgian with Turkish roots, who appears with his accordeon and brass orchestra to mix Taiwa Jazz Band are six young musicians from Johannesburg, playing South-African music mixed with jazz.

Sauti Sol is Kenya's most popular band.

Amsterdam's Fra Fra Sound have been mixing Afro-Carribean music with jazz and blues for over 30 years.

Warm-blooded Latin American music from Che Sudaka, who are based in Barcelona, Spain.

First airing: Monday 00:00 UTC

RNW ClassicalClassical concerts from the Royal Concertgebouw as well as studio recordings of Dutch performers, presented by Hans Haffmans.

At least five radio stations have made broadcast sessions in three Chin dialects across the globe, including Falam, Hakha and Tedim. The stations involved are Chin Radio Programme aired in Falam dialect from Naypyidaw, Burma, Radio Free Asia in Falam, Chin Radio Programme of Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) in Falam, 3CR Chin Radio Program in Hakha from Australia and AWR Chin in Tedim from USA.

AWR Chin of the Adventist World Radio, a mission radio arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, makes a daily broadcast session on the Christian gospel while the others mainly air a variety of programmes including political news, cultural entertainments and educational as well as literary issues.
(R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2011 Aug 23 2128 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact: www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html#
# Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 15 - 21 August 2011Solar activity was at very low to low levels. Activity was at low levels on 15 August, with several C-class flares from Region 1271 (N16, L=059, class/area Ehc/290 on 18 August). Activity decreased to very low levels on 16 August. Activity increased to low levels on 17-18 August, with several C-class flares from both Region 1271 and
Region 1272 (S21, L=054, class/area Dao/090 on 21 August). No flares were observed on 19 August. Acitivity increased to low levels during 20-21 August. The largest of these was a C3 flare from Region 1271.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal to moderate levels during 15-16 August. Fluxes increased to normal to high levels on 17-18 August. Fluxes decreased to moderate levels during 19-20 August. Fluxes ranged from normal to moderate on 21 August.

Geomagnetic field activity was at predominantly quiet to unsettled levels with an isolated period of active to minor storm levels on 15 August due to a coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS). Activity decreased to quiet to unsettled levels, with isolated active levels during 16-17 August as the CH HSS subsided. Activity decreased to quiet levels during 18-19 August. Activity increased to quiet to unsettled levels during 20-21 August due to a CH HSS.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 24 August - 19 September 2011

Solar activity is expected to be at very low to low with a chance for moderate levels during 24 August to 06 September until old Region 1263 (N18, L=315) departs. Activity is expected to decrease to very low to low levels for the rest of the period.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal to moderate levels through 03 September. Fluxes are expected to increase to moderate to high levels during 04-09 September. Fluxes are expected to decrease to normal to moderate levels during 10-12 September. Fluxes are expected to increase to moderate to high levels during 13-14 September. Fluxes are expected to decrease to normal to moderate levels during 15-19 September.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at quiet levels during 24-26 August. Acitivity is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels on 27-28 August due to a weak recurrent CH HSS. Activity is xpected be decrease to quiet levels during 29 August - 02 September. Activity is expected to increase during 03-05 September due to a recurrent CH HSS. Predominantly quiet levels are expected during 06-10 September. Activity is expected to increase to quiet to active levels during 11-12 September due to a recurrent CH HSS.Predominantly quiet levels are expected for the rest of the period.

Bolivia4865.01, Radio Logos (tentative). heard as early as 0930 on 4865, but more often showing up closer to 1000 UTC. Program fairly consistent with mellow nondescript canciones, but more frequently Spanish vocals. Typical snippets with mentions of "musica...siempre por todos...la Biblia...onda corta." (Ralph Perry, IL/HCDX).

5952.46 Radio Pio Doce 0035-0059.* Spanish text to usual closing theme music which is the distinctive whistling of Colonel Bogey March (also known as Radio Kwai March). Closing ID announcements and early sign-off. Signal poor in noisy conditions. (Brian Alexander, PA)

5970, Radio Itatiaia. Channel clear at 0999 when noted ad string in progress to announcer in Portuguese at 0905. Station ID as, "Bom dia..transmite Radio Itataia...com a musica que voce ama." Lenghty live announcement in Portuguese (Ralph Perry, IL/HCDX)

Chad6165, RNT *0428-0437. Station sign-on with balafon interval signal to national anthem at 0430. French announcements at 0431 to local tribal music and hi-life music. SIgnal fair with very weak co-channel interference and occasional adjacent signal splatter. (Brian Alexander, PA).

Guyana3290.00, Voice of Guyana, 0929-0945. Brief segment of Rap music until 0930 when ID given as, "this is the VOG, The Voice of Guyana ..." Two short promos followed, then into regular pop music. Signal was fair. (Chuck Bolland, FL) 3290, Voice of Guyana 0920 cover for John Lennon's "Imagine." Good opening. (Robt Wilkner, FL/Cumbre DX]

Peru5039.12, Radio Libertad, 0953-1000. Steady Peruvian music mixed with the noise. Male announcer in Spanish at 0955 with comments. Signal was threshold. Subsequent logging 5039.17, 1000-1015. Mainly heard steady music during the period with a male's Spanish items between segments of music. Signal was fair. (Chuck Bolland,FL).

Pirate (US)6924AM, Capt. Morgan Shortwave, 0128-0204. I heard no ID, but the good Captain thanked me via e-mail for a post on the FRN. Rock music from Jimi Hendricks, also Love One Another Right Now, Summertime by Trini Lopez, Summer Rain, and other music. Signal faint and noisy. (Ron Hunsicker, PA/FRW 808)

6925USB, Northwoods Radio. (time ?) Jack Pine Savage with live show of mostly metal music, including Bon Jovi “Livin on a Prayer” but also Eagles “Hotel California” Nice signal, some noise, but S-meter bouncing along with the modulation and peaking at S9+5. Mentioned all of the places that he's been logged tonight. Lots of loon calls and some of the standard “broadcasting freedom from the Great Lakes” promos. Ad for Hartford insurance snuck in. (Andrew Yoder, PA/FRW 808)

6925 AM, Southern Relay Service, 0300.+ WBNY show with a gameshow parody, fake ad for a nudist colony, and a "Stairway to Heaven" parody. "SRS" ID at end of the show 6925 8/3 0350+ Decent sig, but t-storms within about 20-30 miles away, so mostly buried in static crashes. Couldn't tell what it was relaying, but heard a lot of music that sounded like it was in the Voice of Next Thursday realm. Clear computer YL ID around 0445 & another just before QRT (I believe around 0500). (Andrew Yoder, PA/FRW 808)

6954.80 AM, The Voice of the Box. 0126-0158.* Email: 88.1wdce@gmail.com . Rap music - some rather raw. Using a grenade transmitter. SSTV at the end. Signal weak with noise. (Ron Hunsicker, PA/FRW 808)

Russia5930.00, Radio Rossii, (presumed) 1000-1015. Live broadcast of Russian service news presented by male/female announcer duo. Too much splatter is hitting Rossii from WWCR on 5935 KHz, 5930.00 was fair.(Chuck Bolland, FL)

Suriname4989.91, Radio Apintie, (presumed) 0945-1000. Noted a faint but distinctive signal here with a female in comments that fades in periodically. Overall the signal was threshold. (Chuck Bolland, FL)

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

For QSL card collectors, here's a reminder from the original post from Radio Free Asia. This featured card will be used until August 31, 2011. Look for a new QSL card announcement in the coming weeks.Radio Free Asia (RFA) announces the release of our 37th QSL card. This is the second QSL card commemorating 2011 as RFA’s 15th anniversary. RFA’s first broadcast was in Mandarin Chinese on September 29, 1996 at 2100 UTC. Acting as a substitute for indigenous free media, RFA concentrates its coverage on events occurring in and/or affecting the countries to which we broadcast. Those countries are: Burma, Cambodia, Laos, North Korea, Peoples Republic of China, and Vietnam. This QSL card will be used to confirm all valid reception reports from July 1 - August 31, 2011. The four pieces of artwork were created earlier this year by the children of RFA’s personnel. This card not only commemorates RFA’s 15th anniversary but also helps capture the spirit of the RFA’s family and friends around the world while promoting peace, freedom and democracy.

RFA is a private, nonprofit corporation that broadcasts news and information to listeners in Asian countries where full, accurate, and timely news reports are unavailable. Created by Congress in 1994 and incorporated in 1996, RFA currently broadcasts in Burmese, Cantonese, Khmer, Korean to North Korea, Lao, Mandarin, the Wu dialect, Vietnamese, Tibetan (Uke, Amdo, and Kham), and Uyghur. RFA strives for accuracy, balance, and fairness in its editorial content. As a ‘surrogate’ broadcaster, RFA provides news and commentary specific to each of its target countries, acting as the free press these countries lack. RFA broadcasts only in local languages and dialects, and most of its broadcasts comprise news of specific local interest. More information about Radio Free Asia, including our current broadcast frequency schedule, is available at http://www.rfa.org/ .

RFA encourages listeners to submit reception reports. Reception reports are valuable to RFA as they help us evaluate the signal strength and quality of our transmissions. RFA confirms all accurate reception reports by mailing a QSL card to the listener. RFA welcomes all reception report submissions at www.techweb.rfa.org (follow the QSL REPORTS link) not only from DX’ers, but also from its general listening audience. If you have a smart phone, feel free to use the QR code below to access the automated reception report system and submit your reception reports to the web site.

You also have the option of using the following Microsoft Tag from your smartphone. The free mobile app for your smartphone is available at http://gettag.mobi/ .

Reception reports are also accepted by email at qsl@rfa.org , and for anyone without Internet access, reception reports can be mailed to:

Solar activity began the week at moderate levels with an M3/1b flare at 08/1810 UTC from Region 1263 (N17, L=301, class/area Ekc/720 on 04 August). This event was associated with a type II radio sweep and a partial-halo coronal mass ejection which was mostly directed away from the west limb. Region 1263 produced an additional M2/1b flare at 09/0354 UTC. Activity levels increased to high as Region1263 produced an X6/2b flare at 09/0805 UTC which was associated with type II and type IV radio sweeps as well as a full halo CME, which also appeared to be primary travelling away from the west limb.The X6 is the largest x-ray event for cycle 24 so far. Activity levels dropped down to low levels on 10 August as Region 1263 rotated around the west limb. Activity levels further decreased to very low levels on 12 August and remained there through the end of the summary period.

A greater than 10 MeV proton enhancement was observed beginning at 08/1905 UTC in association with the M3 flare from Region 1263. The enhancement peaked at 4 PFU at 08/2000 UTC. Greater than 100 MeV and 10 MeV proton events began on 09 August in association with the X6 flare described previously. The greater than 100 MeV proton event began at 09/0825 UTC, reached a peak of 2.6 PFU at 09/0840 UTC, and dropped below threshold at 09/1035 UTC. The greater than 10 MeV proton event began at 09/0845 UTC, reached a peak of 26 PFU at 09/1210 UTC, and ended at 09/1715 UTC.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels on 08 August and stayed high through the end of the day on 13 August. The electron flux levels were at normal to moderate levels on 14 August.

Geomagnetic field activity began the week at generally quiet to unsettled levels with isolated active and minor storm periods at the high latitudes. Activity decreased to quiet levels for 11-12 August and then increased slightly to quiet to unsettled levels for 14 August. Solar wind observations from the ACE spacecraft showed a positive polarity coronal hole high speed stream from 08-10 August. Solar wind data also indicated a solar sector boundary on the 13th at about 2000 UTC, followed by the onset of a negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 17 August - 12 September 2011

Solar activity is expected to be very low to low for 17-23 August. An increase to low to moderate is expected as old Region 1263 returns and transits the disk from 24 August to 06 September. Activity levels are likely to return to low or very low levels for the remainder of the outlook interval from 07-12 September. In addition there continues to be a chance that a new, rapidly emerging flux region could increase activity to moderate or greater levels at any time during the outlook period.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to increase to high levels for 18-23 August. Moderate levels are expected for 24-27 August, followed by a few days for high levels for 28-29 August. Low to moderate levels should prevail for 30 August through 04 September, followed by another increase to high levels for 05-07 September. Normal levels should resume on 08 September and continue through the end of the outlook period.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be generally quiet to unsettled for 17-22 August as there may be weak driving from a coronal hole high speed stream (HSS). Quiet levels should prevail for 23-25 August and another increase to quiet to unsettled is expected for 26-28 August from another HSS. Quiet levels are expected to return for 29 August through 02 September. An increase to unsettled with a chance for active periods is expected for 03-05 September due to another recurrent HSS. Quiet levels should predominate for 06-10 September, and another increase to quiet to unsettled from a recurrent HSS is expected for 11-12 September.

Bahrain
9745, Radio Bahrain (presumed) 0250-0300. Arabic service including Qu'ran recitations. Very poor signal, fading down into the noise most of the time. Just enough side interference from the BBC starting at 0300 to make further reception impossible. (Jim Evans, TN).

Bolivia
5952.41, Radio Pio Doce 1049-1100. Male/female duo with the news and frequent station IDs. Time checks and no interferences observed until 1058 when China Radio Int'l signed on 5955. (John Wilkins, CO/Cumbre DX).

6134.797, Radio Santa Cruz, 2343-0015. Instructional type programming contained announcer's dictating Alpha numeric items. Station identification at 0000, followed by station promotionals and return to instructional program. Signal was fair. Herard also on 6134.843, 0919-0930. Booming in with non-stop Mexicana style music-possibly from the same single album. Signal was good.(Chuck Bolland, FL).

9705, Radio Ethiopia (Adiis Ababa) 2056-2100.* Vernacular service with up-beat music and Afro pops. Announcements between techno music bits at 2057. Sign-off and national anthem during fair signal quality. (Scott Barbour, NH).

17695, Radio Farda, 1530-1545. Live comments from announcer between music selections. Noted 'canned' station ID during brief break. Language may be Persian, and listed as via Biblis, Germany transmitter. (Chuck Bolland, FL).

India
5010, All India Radio-Thiruvananthapuram, 0021-0035. Vhandi Mataram at tune-in to announcer's items and bits of Hindi music. Wind instruments at 0029 into English newscast at 0029.(Scott Barbour,NH).

15075, All India Radio-Bangaluru, 0237-0250. Kannada service (per schedule) with Hindi music. Talk from lady announcer over music at 0250. Good signal, the strongest this year on 15075 kHz. Parallel noted on 11985 kHz (also Bangaluru) with similar strength, but less atmospheric noise. (Jim Evans, TN).

Malaysia
9835, Sarawak FM/RTM Kajang, 1036. Male/female duo in listed Malaysian. Heard passing mention of Malaysia over the music at 1038. Tentative on a jingle and ad-string during poor signal quality. (Scott Barbour, NH).6049.63 Asyik FM, 1143-1230.+ Pop vocals to "Asyik FM" jingle and ten minutes of announcer's chat with phone calls. Good signal - now the best low-band RTM outlet, now that 5030 and 6100 remain off the air. Klaskik Nasional usually has a fair/good signal as well. (John Wilkins, CO/Cumbre DX).

Mali
9635, RTVM, *0759-0807. Abrupt sign-on with vernacular talk. Rustic local music. Fair signal in noisy conditions. Off the air approximately at 0807. Continued to monitor this frequency to 0835, but never did return to the air. (Brian Alexander, PA).9635, 0921-0940, in French with tribal music and female announcer's comments. (Lucio Otavio Bobrowiec, Brazil/HCDX)

Mexico
6009.9, Radio Mil, Mexico City, 0951-1005. Pops at tune-in to announcer's Spanish text at 1000. Station ID and ad-string. Music resumes as signal improves after 1000. (Scott Barbour, NH). 6009.96, 1103-1135. "Radio Mil" ID and mix of music and chat. Typical 'wake-up fare' and ad-strings at 1121. Signal up and down sometimes quite good, while others are tough to copy. (John Wilkins, CO/Cumbre DX).

Papua New Guinea
5960, Radio Fly 1158-1230. "Radio Fly" jingle to usual programming of older English pop music. Few, if any announcements. Good signal, best in a long time - but noted fair by 1230. (John Wilkins, Co/Cumbre DX)

Tibet
6130, Xizang PBS Lhasa, 2342-0002. Music and talk is listed Tibetan. Signal buried under band noise. Indigenous music and a possible ID at 0000. Lady announcer's 'echo effect' into alternating announcements. Heard on // 7385 kHz that was good until Romanian interval signal at 2358. (Scott Barbour, NH).

Radiocommunications Agency Netherlands will soon launch a new tougher policy to deal with pirate radio stations, according to a report in De Telegraaf. The illegal broadcasters may soon have a fine of 2,500 euros imposed on them as soon as half an hour after they receive a warning letter.

This the agency’s latest move in a cat and mouse game with the pirates. It used to take months before someone was punished for illegal broadcasting. That has been reduced to several weeks, and could now be cut to half an hour under the new policy.

There have already been 1600 warnings this year, and 60 people have been fined. The fine is not necessarily for the pirate, but for the owner of the land which is used for broadcasting. The radio pirates have responded by adapting their methods. They are now increasingly using mobile stations, so after receiving a warning letter they simply move to a different place to broadcast. The collapsible masts used for the broadcasts are sometimes more than forty metres high.

The Radiocommunications Agency wants to introduce its new policy as soon as possible, so that these “nomadic broadcasters” cannot escape punishment. The pirates sometimes interfere with legal broadcasters, and can also interfere with air traffic communications.
(R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Monday, August 15, 2011

Radio Romania International continues their popular Romanian Castles QSL card series throughout 2011. Two past favorites have included The Cotroceni Palace and The Cantacuzino Palace. Each month, RRI features a color painting reproduction to compliment your collection. Today's August card, Mogosoaia Palace is featured in today's post. Streaming and on-demand audio, links to Facebook, Twitter and more are on the RRI website. Now is a great time to monitor and QSL, Radio Romania International. Station website http://www.rri.ro/ Postal address: P.O. Box 1-111, 014700 Bucuresti, Romania.

If you haven't logged or verified Voice of Turkey, now's the time. An easy station to hear, VOT remains an excellent station to QSL, with color cards, pennants and stickers. Streaming and on-demand audio, Video Gallery, podcast and more are available on their website. To learn more about Voice of Turkey, refer to their English website at
http://www.trt-world.com/trtworld/en/news.aspx.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

All India Radio will broadcast the running commentary in English and Hindi about the Flag Hoisting and Prime Minsters speech to be held at Red Fort, New Delhi between 0135-0240 UTC (0705-0810 hrs IST) on 15th August, 2011 (Monday) on the following frequencies.

(Note : External Services in Urdu on 6155, 9595, 11620 are replaced by commentary at this time)

The Regional shortwave stations will start using their day time frequencies about 1 hour or more earlier than usual on 15th August as follows to relay the Commentary. This may provide enhanced reception of stations than on normal days. The sign on schedule for that day is as follows with normal sign on timings in brackets.